What is Lent?
Lent is the 40-day season of fasting and prayer leading to Easter. The word “Lent” comes from the Old English “lencten,” referring to Spring and the “lengthening” of days that occurs at this time of year. Why 40 days? Because that’s how long our Lord fasted and prayed in the wilderness after his baptism. During this season, our worship adopts a uniquely reflective and penitential tone. In place of our typically festive approach to worship, these changes allow us to experience a different side of the Christian life as we journey with Christ to the cross.
What is your role?
During Lent, we especially focus on communal prayer and worship. It begins on Ash Wednesday, the official start to the holy season of Lent and one of the two major fast days of the Church year. The Church rightly expects all practicing and able-bodied Christians to participate in the solemn Mass and Imposition of Ashes on this sacred day. For your convenience, St. John’s offers three services. Please join us on February 22 at 7 AM, 12:10 PM, or 6:30 PM.
After we gather for the Imposition of Ashes, you are encouraged to make a personal commitment to give something up or take something on during Lent, adding a discipline to your life that will deepen your spirit.
SPIRITUAL PRACTICES FOR LENT
Spiritual disciplines are part of Christian life year-round, but they also enhance our Lenten journey. Here are some suggestions:
- DAILY PRAYER: Begin or end the day with Morning or Evening Prayer, found in the Book of Common Prayer. For your convenience, there’s even an online version (written or audio format) of The Daily Office.
- DEVOTIONALS: Establish a set time during Lent to read and then sit in silence or prayer. Find Episcopal Relief & Development’s Lenten Meditation Guide online.
- FASTING & REFLECTION: Fasting is a spiritual discipline that Jesus practiced. Hunger pains can remind you to pray for others and enter into self-reflection. If you have health concerns, please consult a doctor before a fast.
- SELF-DENIAL: Giving up favorite foods, drinks, or bad habits is an alternative to fasting that forces you to be mindful of the hunger of others each time you crave that item or revert to a certain behavior.
- GIVING TO OTHERS: How do Lenten sacrifices bring you closer to God? Consider giving the money you would have spent on those items/habits to a charitable organization or cause. Or donate your time & talents!
- PRACTICE YOGA: The practice of yoga is accessible to all ages and a positive way to cultivate inner peace and tranquility. Extend the discipline beyond Lent. St. John’s offers classes all year long on Mondays at 5:30 PM.
- ATTEND COMPLINE: Join us for our weekly Sung Compline service, on Sundays at 7:30 PM. This ancient monastic service is held in the candlelit church, led by clergy and the St. John’s Compline Choir.
- PERSONAL CONFESSION: A practice for Christians to seek Christ’s healing power through guided self-reflection, admission of sins, and reconciliation with God through forgiveness. Consult with Fr. Lonnie about opportunities for personal confession.
- STATIONS OF THE CROSS: This devotion allows us to follow in the steps of Jesus from his condemnation by Pilate, through the streets of Jerusalem to Calvary, to the Cross, and the tomb. Walk the stations in St. John’s Carter Chapel at your leisure.
- ATTEND A CLASS: St. John’s offers Christian education classes and Bible studies all year long. Our “Bible Stories for Grownups” class with Fr. Lonnie explores a different story weekly at 6 PM on Wednesdays. We also have two different groups that meet on Thursdays (Men’s Bible Study at 7 AM and The Good Book at 12 PM) that discuss weekly Scripture readings. Additionally, there are several special series and events being offered during Lent. See the list below and check out our calendar for details.
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LENTEN PRAYER PARTNERS
SIGN UP ONLINE BY FEBRUARY 15
Participants of all ages are assigned a partner for whom they agree to pray for daily during Lent.
BREATHING UNDER WATER
BEGINS FEBRUARY 23 | REGISTER ONLINE
Join us to discuss Richard Rohr’s spiritual study of the Twelve Steps and how they can be a straight line from our biggest struggle directly to God. This series meets on seven Thursday evenings throughout the season of Lent and into May. Register online by February 20.
THE ART OF LENT: FRIDAY BOOK STUDY
JOIN WEEKLY BY ZOOM | BEGINS FEBRUARY 24
Meets Fridays at 12 PM on Zoom. During Lent, our book will highlight a painting a day from Ash Wednesday to Easter. Explore the spiritual riches to be found in some of the world’s most famous works of art! No registration is required.
PRAYER BEADS WORKSHOP
MARCH 4 | 10 AM-12 PM | REGISTER ONLINE
Join us for a special workshop, offered by the Front Porch and led by parishioner Marcy Muldrow Sanders. Participants will make their own set of Anglican Prayer Beads to use while praying during Lent. These beads, or rosaries, can help us think about, and be mindful of, praying and being in the presence of God. Register online by March 1.
MONTHLY SOUP SUPPER
MARCH 12 | APRIL 9
Join The Front Porch for fellowship and a light soup supper at 6:45 PM before Sung Compline.
